‘BeKind’ UNM initiative pays it forward to APD and local children

Over 300 bears and other toys will be delivered to Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden and area commanders on Friday, March 25 at 9 a.m. in front of the police station on Fourth and Marquette by members of the BeKind UNM Committee.

The teddy bears and other toys were collected during a BeKind UNM Celebration, which was held on The University of New Mexico campus at the beginning of February. All told, over 300 bears and other toys were donated to benefit both APD and the UNM Children’s Hospital.

Several police commanders will also be present at the delivery to fill their cars with the teddy bears before they leave to their respective areas of the city. The bears will be kept in APD patrol cars and given to children in traumatic situations to help ease some of the stress.

“The teddy bear drive is a great way to give back to the community through kindness,” says Kim Kloeppel, chief operations officer, UNM Division of Student Affairs, and BeKind UNM committee chair. “We are hoping that these bears will help spread kindness throughout our city and serve as a reminder of how easy it is to be kind to one another.”

The UNM Division of Student Affairs in conjunction with several UNM departments, Albuquerque businesses, and community groups sponsors the UNM BeKind Celebrations and other kindness initiatives.

For more information please visit the BeKind UNM webpage or call 505-277-0952.